'When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras' - the old adage is well-known to GPs but what should you do when faced with a zebra, not a horse? Consultant cardiologist Professor Robert Tulloh and GP Dr Louise Tulloh kick off our new series with their advice on how to catch Kawasaki disease in general practice.

Happy new year ­ expect 2005 to be even better

We wish all our readers a happy and prosperous 2004, but to be honest 2005/6 is likely to be more prosperous. The average GP is likely to earn about £14,000 from quality points in 2004. However, with all the extra work involved ­ 10-minute consultations, 48-hour access, increased patient recalls, target measurements, computer work during the consultation, meetings and general hassle ­ whether this will translate into the promised pay rise is debatable.

But next year should be rosier. Quality points income will shoot up to £120 per point for an average practice. All the hard work put in this year to get systems up and running up could also lead to an increase in the number of points practices will achieve in 2005/6. So any rejoicing this year is likely to be bettered next year.